Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen

Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was the last of the Drepung Zimkhang Gongma line of incarnations. While this illustrious lineage was established by the unmatched Panchen Sonam Drakpa, its genealogy extends all the way back to ancient India. It comprises of various Indian and Tibetan lineage masters that had made tremendous contributions to the growth of Tibetan Buddhism. Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was the student of His Holiness the 4th Panchen Lama, Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen, as was the Great 5th Dalai Lama.

In one of his previous lifetimes as Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen (1374 – 1434 CE), the leading disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa, he made a firm commitment to protect Lama Tsongkhapa’s special teaching of Nagarjuna’s Middle Way view. It was said that he did so on the behest of the Protector Nechung who manifested as a white dove and hovered over one of Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings.

Later, in the lifetime of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen (1619 – 1656 CE), he was reminded of this promise by the Nechung Oracle. Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen explained to Nechung that he did not have it in him to generate wrathful energy, which was necessary to become a Protector. Nechung reassured Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen that he did not have to worry about that because Nechung would help him by creating the necessary conditions for this wrathful energy to arise.

Around that time, there were prevailing rivalries between followers of the 5th Dalai Lama and those of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. After Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s audience with the Nechung Oracle, this rivalry did not subside and in fact, the fame of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was generally perceived as eclipsing that of the 5th Dalai Lama.

The 5th Dalai Lama

Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso (1617 – 1682) was recognised as the Great 5th Dalai Lama by Panchen Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen. He was a contemporary and Dharma brother of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and was successful in unifying Tibet after a long period of civil war. Henceforth the 5th Dalai Lama wielded temporal and spiritual power over all of Tibet. During his reign, he established diplomatic relations with China, other regional states and also met early with European explorers. As a writer, he composed 24 volumes of written works across a broad range of scholarly and literary subjects. He built the Potala Palace as his new seat of power but would sadly not live to see to its completion.

Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, on the other hand, commanded the respect and devotion of countless number of students from Tibet, China and Mongolia. He was said to be very saintly and exhibited many supernatural abilities. As someone who shunned publicity and recognition, he often meditated in secret locations but due to his fame, these locations were soon discovered. As the result he often had to move and had hundreds of caves to avoid being found. He had hundreds of visions of the tutelary deities, Buddhas, saints, yidams and Dharma protectors. He longed for the quietude of the mountains, forests, lakes and engaged in deep spiritual practices. Despite preferring seclusion, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was highly sought after by other eminent lamas and tens of thousands of students. Royalty from the Mongol and Chinese courts would often seek his counsel and guidance.

It is said that at this time, Nechung stayed true to his promise to create conditions for Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s wrathful energy to arise. He fanned the rivalries between followers of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and the 5th Dalai Lama to a fever pitch. The government ministers of the 5th Dalai Lama saw the hundreds that came to make offerings to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. Jealousy and fear grew. They observed Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s Zimkhang Gongma Ladrang becoming more influential and they felt threatened. They were afraid as his influence grew further, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen would dethrone the 5th Dalai Lama and seize power. Finally, Desi Sonam Choepel, the regent of Tibet and the head of the Dalai Lama’s household, and several attendants of the Dalai Lama decided that the only way to mitigate the threat was to assassinate Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. This was carefully planned and the men tried various means to murder him but to no avail.

After the administrators of the 5th Dalai Lama’s office (in essence the Tibetan Government) made many unsuccessful attempts to eliminate him, it was said that Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen got weary of the intrigue, games and power-struggles. Not wishing to be perceived as a threat to the 5th Dalai Lama, he allowed the ministers of the Tibetan Government to carry out their plot to assassinate him. He even disclosed to them the only way he could be killed. Because of his many supernatural abilities, all previous attempts had been thwarted and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen even knew of their plans. Finally however, he perceived it was time to arise as a superior Dharma protector so Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen generated great bodhicitta and resigned to pass away according to his would-be murderers’ schemes. He revealed that the only way his murderers could accomplish this task was by strangulation with a khata. His assailants quickly grabbed a khata and stuffed it down the lama’s throat, killing him.

After the passing of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, the monastery and his ladrang (the lama’s private office and household) were in turmoil due to the shock that such an important high lama had been murdered. They placed his remains on a huge funeral pyre in Lhasa with thousands of disciples, Mongol royalty and other high lamas and dignitaries who had come to pay their last respects to the great lama Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen.

Initially, the funeral pyre could not catch fire. It was at this time that the Dalai Lama learned of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s assassination and was very disturbed and remorseful. Both the Dalai Lama and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen were students of the 4th Panchen Lama and were very close Dharma brothers. They would often discuss Dharma topics when they met and were known to have given each other various empowerments and teachings. Even though they had both received these from the Panchen Lama, they would request each other to give the teachings again. Before Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was murdered, the Dalai Lama even wanted to visit him give him a tantric empowerment, as he was told Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was ill. This did not happen, as he was dissuaded to do so by the very same ministers who murdered Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen.

With deep regret, the 5th Dalai Lama composed an apologetic prayer. It was brought to the funeral and after the pronouncement from the Dalai Lama was read out loud, the funeral pyre suddenly burst into flames. It was said that a whirlwind of black smoke arose when one of the attendants in grief struck the funeral pyre with his zen (part of a monk’s maroon robes) out of frustration. The pile of smoke grew into the shape of a hand and completely covered the skyline. It was said that this was when Dorje Shugden arose, thus fulfilling Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s promise to Nechung to arise as a special Protector of Lama Tsongkhapa’s lineage.

After the demise of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, the search for his reincarnation was banned and that brought an end to the Drepung Zimkhang Gongma line of incarnations. The ladrang founded by Panchen Sonam Drakpa in 1554 CE at the Upper Chamber of Drepung ceased to exist in 1656 CE. The Nechung Oracle instructed that the Zimkhang Gongma or Upper Chamber at Drepung was to be dismantled, and the reliquaries from that ladrang were relocated by Desi Sonam Choepel. Although Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen continued to incarnate to benefit sentient beings, his line of incarnation was never formally reinstated.

Trode Khangsar

The Trode Khangsar is an important chapel dedicated to Dorje Shugden in Lhasa, Tibet. It was commissioned, sponsored and built by His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama towards the end of the 17th Century for Dorje Shugden who arose from the murder of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen to benefit countless sentient beings.

The front entrance to Trode Khangsar chapel in Lhasa, Tibet

Due to the heavy negative karma of killing such a great being, the country was unsettled by earthquakes and other disturbances agitated the land. Thinking that these disturbances were due to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen arising as a malevolent spirit, various high lamas of the land such as His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other experienced masters such as Mindrolling Lama performed extensive rituals and fire pujas to solve the problem. Known for their powerful ability to subdue spirits, these rituals turned out ineffective as Dorje Shugden could not be destroyed. During the fire puja, the Mindrolling Lama would call Dorje Shugden’s consciousness onto the sacramental ladle used in the ritual and tip it into the fire to destroy him. However, each time the Mindrolling Lama attempted to do this, he would see Yamantaka climb on top of the ladle. After many unsuccessful attempts at killing Dorje Shugden in this manner, the Mindrolling Lama realised he was trying to kill Manjushri and immediately stopped the rituals.

Upon learning of this, His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama manifested the realisation that Dorje Shugden had not in fact taken rebirth as a malevolent spirit, but had instead arisen as an enlightened Dharma protector. It is said that at the time of this realisation, the 5th Dalai Lama was in retreat in the Potala Palace. Dorje Shugden pressed down on the palace with a trident, which shook the palace, manifesting his strength as a Dharma protector.

A rare thangka of Dorje Shugden seated on a throne, housed at the Trode Khangsar. Click to enlarge.

As an apology to Dorje Shugden for the murder and subsequent attempts to destroy him (having mistaken him for a spirit), His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama then composed a praise to Dorje Shugden and crafted a statue with his own hands to honour and recognise him as a Dharma protector. The 5th Dalai Lama also built this chapel in the heart of Lhasa at the exact same place where Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s body had been cremated. This was told to us by the current caretakers of Trode Khangsar, which continues to function to this day as an active chapel propitiating Dorje Shugden.

This area had originally been a sort of ‘picnic house’ that belonged to the 5th Dalai Lama so it was called ‘Tro Khang’. Later it became known as ‘Trode Khangsar’. Originally there were statues of Dorje Shugden and Setrap inside the chapel. Care of the chapel was entrusted to Riwo Choling Monastery by Desi Sangye Gyatso and Riwo Choling was obliged to send 11 monks and an oracle to permanently reside there.

Trode Khangsar itself is registered as a national heritage memorial, putting it under the care of the Chinese Government at a national level. As recently as 2008, the chapel was being renovated by the Chinese Government. Thus Trode Khangsar which is dedicated to Dorje Shugden continues to be another powerful testament to the high respect His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama came to develop for Dorje Shugden.

Prayer by the 5th Dalai Lama to Gyelchen Dorje Shugden

HUM

Though unmoving from the sphere of primordial spontaneity,
With wrathful turbulent power, swifter than lightning,
Endowed with heroic courage to judge good and bad,
I invite you with faith, please come to this place!

Robes of a monk, crown adorned with rhinocerous leather hat,
Right hand holds ornate club, left holds a human heart,
Riding various mounts such as nagas and garudas,
Who subdues the mamo’s of the charnal grounds, praise to you!

Samaya substances, offerings and torma, outer, inner and secret,
Favorite visual offerings and various objects are arranged.
Although, previously, my wishes were a bit dense,
Do not stop your powerful apparitions, I reveal and confess!

Now respectfully praising with body, speech, and mind,
For us, the masters, disciples, benefactors and entourages,
Provide the good and avert the bad!
Bring increase like the waxing moon in spiritual and temporal realms!

Moreover, swiftly accomplishing all wishes,
According to our prayers, bestow the supreme effortlessly!
And like the jewel that bestows all wishes,
Always protect us with the Three Jewels!

The Chapel Structure

A Map of Lhasa – Trode Khangsar is located close to the main circumambulation circuit. Click to enlarge.

The chapel is situated in the heart of Lhasa, behind the main Chapel of the Jowo Buddha, also known as the Jokhang Temple. It is just south of the Barkor area and close to the circumambulation circuit. The chapel was originally a three-storied structure and has a front entrance leading directly to the main hall.

The main hall of Trode Khangsar has eight pillars and is adorned with historical paintings of Dorje Shugden’s previous life stories, as well as murals of auspicious symbols and deities such as Indra and Brahma. The paintings of Dorje Shugden’s previous lives include Manjushri, Birwapa, Shakya Shri Bhadra, Sakya Pandita Kunga Gyeltsen, Buton Rinchen Drub, Panchen Sonam Drakpa, Sonam Yeshe Wangpo and Ngawang Sonam Geleg. Paintings of special note included Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen (see below), the previous incarnation of Dorje Shugden and Nechung. Nechung is depicted urging Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen to fulfil his promise and arise as a Dharma protector.

Trode Khangsar also houses many precious objects, such as the wood printing blocks used to print an extensive Dorje Shugden Fulfillment Ritual text by Gaden Jangtse Serkong Dorje Chang, an important Gelug lama from the 19th Century. The main hall itself leads to a room in which rituals are conducted and also to rooms for resident monks. The ritual room houses paintings of various Dharma protectors and a statue of Lama Tsongkhapa, together with his spiritual sons, Gyaltsab Je and Khedrub Je.

The third, topmost floor was removed during the Cultural Revolution in Tibet and used to be the residence of Trode Khangsar’s oracle. The lowest floor, which is below ground level is not currently used for religious purposes.

Google map of Trode Khangsar:

Dorje Shugden’s recognition by the Qing Dynasty

Trode Khangsar is also linked to a story illustrating the enlightened power and clairvoyance of Dorje Shugden. During the time of His Holiness the 11th Dalai Lama Khedrub Gyatso, there was a Chinese Amban (high official) from the Qing dynasty named Che Trungtang, who had a set of important questions to ask Dorje Shugden on behalf of the Chinese Emperor Daoguang. To test Dorje Shugden, he burned the written questions before a Dorje Shugden image and asked for clear answers and prophesies during a trance of the Dorje Shugden Oracle. The following day, during the trance itself, he received very clear advice which even matched the order the questions had originally been written in.

A statue of Dorje Shugden in Trode Khangsar. This form of Dorje Shugden is seated rather than mounted on a snow lion and holds a club rather than a curved sword. Click to enlarge.

The Qing Emperor Daoguang was very impressed by the precision and clarity of the advice given in regards to his important political questions. In return, he sent a pandit’s hat as an offering and recognised Dorje Shugden as a great Dharma protector for the whole of Buddhism. The hat was placed over the door of Trode Khangsar amidst a grand ceremony held in the front courtyard. Many high officials and dignitaries attended this ceremony including His Holiness the 11th Dalai Lama, the Qing Amban, Retreng Rinpoche, the Dorje Shugden oracle and various other monks and lay people.

A beautiful image of Dorje Shugden within his Trode Khangsar chapel in Lhasa, Tibet. The statue and chapel were commissioned by His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama in apology and commemoration of what was done to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. Click to enlarge.

Current

As of today, Trode Khangsar is open to visit for tourists and pilgrims. The chapel is still in use as a site of worship, and the resident monks continue the tradition of making offerings and daily pujas. This is a very holy site to make a strong connection with Dorje Shugden.

One of our members, Mrs Chuah at Trode Khangsar

Here we can engage in making candle offerings, representing the dispelling of our ignorance, and creating merit that we can dedicate towards our own wellbeing and aspirations as well as those of our loved ones. Engaging in the recitation of sacred scriptures, prayers and mantras here is amplified since it is the very first temple dedicated to the protective powers of Dorje Shugden. Himself arisen from an attained lama, Dorje Shugden was specially enshrined here by the Great 5th Dalai Lama himself.

The divination text contains information on how to use dice to do divination for the future and is known to be highly accurate. When practitioners use this text, they will be in direct contact with Dorje Shugden to get answers to questions about the future. It is for those who have good samaya with Dorje Shugden and are free of the eight worldly dharmas to be of benefit to others in divining the future.

Tsem Rinpoche

Mo of Gyalchen Dorje Shugden (Click on the image to download the PDF)

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Samfoonheei on Sep 2, 2019 at 12:40 pm

Interesting read of the 5th Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden . Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was a student of His Holiness the 4th Panchen Lama & the Great 5th Dalai Lama. He was the last of the Drepung Zimkhang Gongma line of incarnations.
Reading the history will path way for many to know more about Dorje Shugden. The truth behind this Powerful Dharma Protector . After Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was murdered, the Dalai Lama realized the wrongful mistakes done by his official composed a prayers and crafted a statue to recognize him as a Dharma protector. Even built a chapel known as Trode Khangsar now in the heart of Lhasa , is now a national heritage memorial. Have visited this beautiful chapel and saw the sacred holy murals, stupas , statues and so forth. Its simply amazing and feeling blessed by looking at it. Did short prayers and offerings at this Chapel too.
Thank you Rinpoche for this wonderful details sharing with us . The truth should reveal so more and more readers know and understand the true story behind this Dorje Shugden controversy.

Thank you so much for this article. By reading this article, i get to know that Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was the last of the Drepung Zimkhang Gongma line of incarnations. In one of his previous lifetimes as Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen the leading disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa, he made a firm commitment to protect Lama Tsongkhapa’s special teaching of Nagarjuna’s Middle Way view.

It was said that he did so on the behest of the Protector Nechung who manifested as a white dove and hovered over one of Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings. Later on Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen explained to Nechung that he did not have it in him to generate wrathful energy, which was necessary to become a Protector. Thank you.

Beautiful billboard just came up in our hometown of Bentong where Kechara Forest Retreat (KFR) in Malaysia is located. All of us in Bentong are warm, simple and very friendly people. Our beautiful billboard depicts Dorje Shugden statue in KFR and Dorje Shugden is a hero (pahlawan) and a powerful being from Tibet. He is highly respected for giving great inspirations and blessings from his life story.~Tsem Rinpoche- See more beautiful pictures- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4

It is undeniable that H.H the 5th Dalai Lama had composed praise of Dorje Shugden and created a statue with his own hands and recognizes him as a Dharma Protector. Furthermore, to honor the rise of powerful Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden, the 5th Dalai Lama built a chapel in the heart of Lhasa at the exact same place where Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s body has been cremated. This is so much faith and honorable he has towards Dorje Shugden. Until today, the chapel is well taken care and many of the holy images and statues are well preserved. There are monks carry on the traditions of pujas and offerings daily. This is a must visit pilgrimage site to pay homage to Dorje Shugden.

Thank you, Rinpoche and the blog team to share such extensive information on this sacred Dorje Shugden chapel in Lhasa.

This chapel is the proof of the Dorje Shugden ban being illogical and unreasonable. The Great 5th Dalai Lama who has the same mindstream of the 14th Dalai Lama is the emanation of the Buddha of Compassion, Chenrezig. He accepted Dorje Shugden as an enlightened being and enthroned him as a protector in this chapel. He also handmade the first Dorje Shugden statue in the entire world. This showed the Great 5th Dalai Lama’s reverence to this protector and he is definitely not a small insignificant protector.

No small insignificant protector will get an entire chapel dedicated to him by the Great 5th Dalai Lama. The 14th Dalai Lama banned the practice saying that he realizes the nature of the practice now and he is not aware of it last time. This is illogical because how can a mere spirit fool a fully enlightened Buddha of Compassion, Chenrezig?

If we accept that explanation, we are disrespecting all the Buddhas and their clairvoyant ability. We might as well pray to a spirit since a spirit is more powerful than a Buddha as he is able to trick the Buddha to spread his practice and built a chapel for him. Hence, the accusation of Dorje Shugden being a spirit is not acceptable and easily refuted by logic. Dorje Shugden is a Buddha and a fully enlightened protector of our time.

The attached picture will be the 1st Dorje Shugden statue that was handmade by the Great 5th Dalai Lama.

Mantras are sacred verbalized words that invoke the protection and blessings of the deity to whom the mantra is ascribed. Mantras are also the manifestations of Buddhas in the form of ‘sounds’, hence the various mantras of Dorje Shugden contain the essence of the Protector.

Dorje Shugden’s mantra for increase 增长咒语
For gaining great merits and increase of all necessary needs, both material and spiritualOM BENZA WIKI BITANA PUNYE SIDDHI HUNG

Dorje Shugden’s mantra for control 控制咒语
Of worldly deities, negative people and nagas and for influencing friends towards the positiveOM BENZA WIKI BITANA WASHAM KURU HO

Dorje Shugden’s mantra to grant protection 庇护咒语
Visualize that you are in the Protector’s mandala, fully protected from outside interferences. Recite when in danger or for dangerous situations, for protection while travelling or when residing in dangerous/hostile placesOM BENZA WIKI BITANA RAKYA RAKYA HUNG

Tibet has produced many powerful meditations, rituals and guidelines to help us gain spiritual protection, gain wisdom and higher states of consciousness. In general Tibet has produced many powerful methods for the growth of our spiritual evolution. Dorje Shugden is an angel, a saint, a powerful spiritual protector-warrior who originated 350 years ago when a highly awakened Tibetan Lama fulfilled his vows to become a special being to grant protection, wisdom, material needs, safety when travelling (normal and astral travel) and spiritual awakening. Both the Great 5th Dalai Lama and the current His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama composed short yet effective prayers to invoke upon the power and blessings of this special saint and protector. One can recite either one of the prayers that you feel suits you, anytime or even daily. When you feel a special need for help, you can recite either prayer anytime. When you are feeling down, afraid or just need a blessing, you can recite them. After reciting either invocation, it is good to chant the mantra of Dorje Shugden: Om Benza Wiki Bitana Soha.

You do not have to be a Buddhist or practitioner of any religion to invoke upon the blessings and protection of this special enlightened and awakened angel Dorje Shugden. He helps all without discrimination or bias as he is filled with compassion and love. Divinity has no boundaries, they help all who call upon them.

Divination (‘mo’) Text by Dorje Shugden

This is an important divination (‘mo’) text composed by Dorje Shugden himself. Dorje Shugden took trance of the Choyang Dulzin oracle lama, the senior oracle of Gaden Shartse Monastery, and instantly on the spot composed this text within two hours.

The divination text contains information on how to use dice to do divination for the future and is known to be highly accurate. When practitioners use this text, they will be in direct contact with Dorje Shugden to get answers to questions about the future. It is for those who have good samaya with Dorje Shugden and are free of the eight worldly dharmas to be of benefit to others in divining the future.

A Daily Request for Wealth, Peace and Protection

Composed by H.E. Tsem Rinpoche

In the heavens there are myriad manifestations of the divine. All those manifestations specifically show us different aspects of divinity in order to be of benefit to all living beings. All the rupakaya forms of the divine have compassion, skillful means and wisdom. We invoke upon them whether we are happy, sad, down, lost, fulfilled, confused, empty, and during the whole range of emotions we constantly experience due to an untrained mind.

Understanding our nature, Great Wisdom Being Dorje Shugden, therefore all the more so, please hold us close to your bosom as an only child to a parent.

Though the manifestations of the divine need no offerings and gifts from us, we offer you supreme Manjushri Dorje Shugden a libation of tea, incense and mantras, in order to ask you to bless us, to be a part of our lives, to abide in our dwellings and to give us signs, omens and portents of both good and bad. When the negative arises, quell them immediately. Please increase the positive for my weary and worn mind as I lay my hopes in you.

When difficulties, problems and confusion arise, we ask you, who is but the culmination of all that is powerful, holy and omniscient to bless myself, family, loved ones, environment and even my pets. May I see wisdom, find hope, and be at peace.

I request you, O Divine Bhagavān Dorje Shugden, who wears a round dome hat and the three robes of a saffroned bhikshu, who wields a sword of liberty, justice and wisdom and clutches a wish-fulfilling jewel, who rides on a supreme lion of subjugation of all that is negative, to fulfill my wishes. I understand my wishes may not be the best, so I surrender to your wisdom for the outcome though it may not be what I have in mind. Please bless myself and everyone that we may enter into the supreme city of liberation.

Great Bhagavān Dorje Shugden, I request you sincerely from my heart to be a part of my life, bless my home, and grant me wisdom, solace and comfort, that I might be of service to others without agenda, and that I may focus out onto others and not be fixated on myself, creating more problems for all that I hold dear.

Bless me to become kinder, wiser, more compassionate, tolerant and very forgiving to all those who hurt and love me. In order to become close to you, Dorje Shugden, we must surrender the banal. We must abandon fixed views, projections and rigidity. Lastly, in my final moment when I leave this plane of existence, only the positive actions I have done will matter as everything and everyone will be left behind. Let me realise this and act upon this now! At this crucial moment, please may I have a vision of yourself, the powerful and merciful Dorje Shugden, to take me to where I may course in the sky to continue my journey of spiritual waxing.

I offer you saffron-coloured tea and my faith to fulfill my prayers and gain siddhis. By reciting your mantra, may healing, peace, love, long life, protection and perfect view of sunyata arise.

Mantra of fulfillment, peace and wisdom:

OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA

(It is good to recite this mantra daily as much as you like or your timing allows.)

I dedicate this supreme heartfelt prayer to the all-knowing Celestial and Supreme Protector Dorje Shugden, that I may quickly become a being of light, compassion, love and enlightenment.

Be blessed with these rare videos featuring explanation and advice about Dorje Shugden practice by His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche in his own voice. The teaching was requested by Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the earliest masters who taught Tibetan Buddhism in the West.

Kyabje Zong Rinpoche was an erudite scholar, ritual master and practitioner of the highest degree from Tibet. At the request of Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the pioneers who taught Tibetan Buddhism in America, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche gives clear explanation and advice about the life-entrustment initiation of Dorje Shugden and how to go about the practice and get the maximum benefits in this video.

Video 2: H.H. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche speaks on the History and Lineage of Dorje Shugden (With English Subtitles)

In this video, an erudite scholar, ritual master and practitioner of the highest degree from Tibet, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche talks about the incarnation lineage of Dorje Shugden and how the practice arose, with examples of Dorje Shugden’s previous lives that reveal his powerful spiritual attainments and contributions. This very rare teaching was given at the request of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche’s student, Geshe Tsultrim Gyeltsen, one of the pioneers who taught Buddhism in the West to many disciples since the 1970s.

Interesting article of The Fifth Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden. It testifies to the amazing ‘connection’ between HH the 5th Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden . Great information for those who have any doubtful the truth of Dorje Shugden origins. Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen was an erudite scholar, powerful Tantric master and well known for his teachings , that attracted thousands of people seeking his teachings and blessings. Due to jealousy and envy among the 5 th Dalai Lama’s followers he was murdered for his popularity over the 5th Dalai Lama. As the 5th Dalai Lama ‘s closeness with Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen , the 5th Dalai Lama built Trode Khangsar chapel and composed a prayers dedicated to Dorje Shugden. In fact also handmade a statue in memorised of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who has manifested as the enlightened Dharma Protector Dorje Shugden after his death. He arose from a long line of incarnations that stem all the way back to the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, Manjushri. Interesting read.
Thank you Rinpoche for this interesting sharing.

Tibetans commonly refer to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and His Holiness 10th Panchen Lama as the “sun and moon” of Tibetan Buddhism. They are the center of Tibetan Buddhist civilization, which draws to its sphere of influence millions of non-Tibetan practitioners. The Panchen Lama’s incarnation line began with the 16th abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen (1570 – 1662). He was bestowed the title of Panchen Lama by His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama after being declared as an emanation of Amitabha.

After being given the title, his three previous incarnations were posthumously also bestowed the title, making Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen the 4th Panchen Lama. He became a teacher to many Tibetans, Bhutanese and Mongolian religious figures, including His Holiness the 4th and 5th Dalai Lamas, and the 1st Jetsun Dampa of Mongolia. A prolific author, Chokyi Gyeltsen is credited with over a hundred compositions, including a number of commentaries and ritual texts that remain central in the Gelukpa tradition today. Along with his role as a teacher of the Dharma, the Panchen Lamas are usually responsible for the recognition of the rebirths of the Dalai Lamas, and vice versa.

The 10th Panchen Lama, Lobsang Trinley Lhundrub Chokyi Gyeltsen (19 February 1938 – 28 January 1989) continued both the spiritual and political roles of his predecessors. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, his contemporary, was even heard to say and echo the Panchen Lama’s own words that the Dalai Lama would safeguard Tibet from the outside while the Panchen Lama would safeguard Tibet from the inside, as he never left Tibet after the political troubles of 1959. He was truly loved by the Tibetans, all the way until his passing. When he taught, thousands of people would attend, not only from his own Gelug lineage, but masters and practitioners from all traditions of Tibetan Buddhism.

At his sprawling monastery of Tashi Lhunpo, he has a special chapel specifically dedicated to Dorje Shugden, where prayers and rituals are performed on a daily basis. In his great omniscience the Panchen Lama held Dorje Shugden as the principal Dharma protector of the monastery. He also personally propitiated Dorje Shugden among other Dharma protectors, and even wrote extensive prayers and rituals to Dorje Shugden. These rituals and prayers are contained within his ‘sung bum’ or collected works, which are provided here. As such a great lama, with an erudite and clear understanding of the Buddhist scriptures, a teacher to millions in both Tibet and China, from an established incarnation line and an emanation of the Buddha Amitabha, he could not be mistaken about his practice of Dorje Shugden.

His Holiness 10th Panchen Lama is known for his composition of commentaries and practice texts that are still in use by contemporary Buddhist practitioners both in Tibet and across the world. One of these is a powerful ritual composition propitiating the compassionate Dorje Shugden.

Upon the request by Acharya Lobsang Jangchub to compose a shorter version of the prayer (sadhana) for the exhortation of activities of Dorje Shugden, Panchen Lama immediately composed an abbreviate form of Dorje Shugden’s Kangsol. This text is entitled “Manjunatha’s (Tsongkapa) Lineage protector Dorje Shugden and five forms wrathful propitiations and confessional prayers and fulfilment of activities rites” or “Melodious sound of Accomplishment of the Four Activities” for short. Once the prayers were completed, he had signs and strong feelings that Dorje Shugden has been working hard to protect the Buddhadharma in general and the lineage of Lama Tsongkhapa specifically.

Mirroring the abilities of one of his earlier incarnations, Khedrub Je, a disciple of Lama Tsongkhapa and master of both sutra and tantra, the Panchen Lama used his compositional skill and poetic prowess to create a masterful sadhana. Worthy of note is a praise in which the first letter of each verse is a Tibetan vowel. Such compositions are rarely seen, and have historically only been used when propitiating senior Dharma protectors such as Palden Lhamo and Kalarupa.

The Panchen Lama also stated that while composing the Dorje Shugden sadhana (prayers) he was filled with a sense of happiness and bliss. He ends the composition with not only his official title but his ordination name, Tenzin Trinley Jigme Choje Wangchuk, endorsing the validity of his work. He composed the sadhana in his own Tashi Lhunpo monastery while in the Hall of Clear Light and Bliss.

For the first time available, Dorje Shugden and his entourage of 32 asssistants of his mandala.

Dorje Shugden is a powerful protector deity who is also an emanation of Manjushri, a wisdom bestowing Buddha. Therefore, he has great ability to help us to progress further on the spiritual path. He does this by helping us to overcome obstacles and problems for the modern individual.

Due to his enlightened nature, Dorje Shugden is able to manifest 32 deities and within the same abode resides Setrap and Kache Marpo:-

1. 5 Dorje Shugden families or emanations. They consists of the following:-

– Dulzin Dorje Shugden, which performs activities to eliminate inner and outer obstacles.
– Shize, which performs activities to pacify all illnesses and disease.
– Gyenze, which performs activities to increase all desirable material and spiritual wealth.
– Wangze, which performs activities to control difficult people and circumstances.
– Trakze, which performs activities to wrathfully eliminate all insurmountable obstacles and life-threatening situations.

2. 9 Mothers. They represent protection of the five senses and developing control of the four elements. These are all attributes that signify their ability to assist tantric practitioners with their higher meditations.

3. 8 Guiding Monks. They represent the Eight Great Bodhisattvas (Avalokitesvara, Manjushri, Vajrapani, Samantabhadra, Maitreya, Kshitigarbha, Akashagarbha, Sarva-nivarana-viskambini) and they bring about the growth of the Dharma, through the Sangha, Dharma practitioners and Dharma establishments.

4. 10 Youthful & Wrathful Attendants. They represent the ten wrathful attendants to avert inner and outer obstacles. They are beings who are from Mongolia, China, Kashmir, India, Bengali, etc.

5. Setrap. He is a senior Dharma Protector from India and an emanation of Amitabha Buddha. He had enthroned Dorje Shugden as an authentic Dharma Protector. Therefore, he also resides within the same mandala of Dorje Shugden.

6. Kache Marpo. He is not an emanation of Dorje Shugden but he is still an enlightened Dharma Protector in his own right. He was originally known as Tsiu Marpo of Samye Monastery. However, he has placed himself under the service of Dorje Shugden as his chief minister, performing many activities in order to protect and benefit practitioners. Therefore, he stands guard at the main entrance of Dorje Shugden’s mandala. He often takes trance of qualified mediums to speak.

7. Namkar Barzin. He is the reincarnation of an old Mongolian monk and when he passed away in Phari area of Tibet, his spirit was placed as a powerful assistant of Dorje Shugden. He guards and protects buildings and great institutions especially those that benefit others. He rides on a mythical Gyaling animal that resembles a goat but with scales.

These sacred images are available on *Vajrasecrets. They are made of high quality alloy and are one of a kind. They are based on the lineage of His Holiness Panchen Rinpoche’s monastery, Tashilhunpo in Shigatse, Tibet. In fact, the iconography of these statues are based on detailed photographs taken by H. E. Tsem Rinpoche during a trip to Tashilhunpo’s protector chapel. These are based exactly as the 10th Panchen Lama’s personal collection.

Recently Beng Kooi and Martin on behalf of myself and Kechara was lucky to have audience with His Holiness Gaden Trisur Rinpoche Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal of Gaden Shartse Monastery. He lives in around Paris, France. His Holiness is 91 years old and very healthy and alert. He was the 101st throne holder for Tsongkapa and was the head of the Gelugpa school of Buddhism and was very successful during his tenure. He is a strong practitioner of both Sutra and Tantra of Je Tsongkapa’s tradition and a master of all Buddhist knowledge. He holds steadfast to his protector Dorje Shugden very strongly. So we can see even the highest throneholders who are masters of Sutra and Tantra also practices Dorje Shugden knowing the benefits.

Beng Kooi and Martin brought photo albums of Kechara Forest Retreat/Kechara and updates on Kechara and our works. His Holiness was very pleased to listen and offered some gifts back.

This is a beautiful picture and the great blessings bestowed on us from His Holiness Gaden Trisur Rinpoche Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal.

I still love and miss His Holiness the Dalai Lama. I am hoping he will unite all of us no matter what our religion is. I know he will. His Holiness has done so much good in the world. I’ve admired him since I was a very young boy and when I met him for the first time in 1979. He came to Howell, New Jersey where I grew up. It was magical to see him. I pray one day he will accept all Dorje Shugden practitioners as was his root guru was a Dorje Shugden practitioner and invite us into his presence again with love and acceptance. I pray for his long life and continued presence in this world. I never lost hope in His Holiness the Dalai Lama to accept all of us regardless of race, religion, sect and background once again.
I place my unworthy head to his feet, Humbly, Tsem Rinpoche https://www.tsemrinpoche.com

This comment by ‘Suzy in Hawaii’ left on Tsem Rinpoche’s YouTube is a clear indication that sentiments towards Dorje Shugden are changing for the better. Rinpoche has worked very hard to disseminate accurate information about the Protector practice and it looks like minds are shifting. Very encouraging development. See here-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vl-4lIwxph4&t=11s

He who bring me out from darkness, he who i only pray present moment, he who i cry most when i feel his care and love.. when all left me he come so near to me.. when no one answer me he hear me.. when love care left me he filled me with love and joy..he who look in to my past in great detail.. he who saw no one ever saw..

It is interesting to read the close connection between Dorje Shugden and the 5th Dalai Lama. Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, and all his previous incarnations are illustrious lineage holders that played their part to continue the lineage till today. Dorje Shugden is an emanation of Manjushri, thus so is Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, and HH Dalai lama, considered an emanation of Chenrezig, and therefore both also have the same enlightened mindstream of a Buddha. It cannot be that one Buddha can ‘destroy’ another.

HH the 5th Dalai Lama, being equivalent in attainments to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, would have been clairvoyant to be able to see past the happenings of that period of time. He would have known of the arising of Dorje Shugden, and foresaw the building of Trode Khangsar, which eventually let the QIng Dynasty Emperor to also proliferate Dorje Shugden’s practice. I also do not believe that the 4th Panchen Lama, teacher to both Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and HH the 5th Dalai Lama, could not foresee what would to be come. Additionally if the 5th Dalai Lama received teachings and empowerments from Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and vice versa, then, it showed the attainments of each, so how can Dorje Shugden , who is Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, be a spirit? How can an attain lama, who gave so many prophecies, advices, blessings, teachings, empowerments, even to HH Dalai Lama himself, become a ‘spirit?’

It is also nice to know that HH the 5th Dalai Lama had composed a praise to Dorje Shugden, built Trode Khangsar and crafted a statue with his own hands to honour and recognise Dorje Shugden as a Dharma protector. If Dorje Shugden was a spirit, the 5th Dalai Lama would not have done all of these.

Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen is the 5th Dalai Lama’s contemporary who has promised Nechung to arise a a Dharma Protector to protect Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings. From the article, we can read that Nechung actually helped Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen to arise by creating the right conditions. We may just see that it is the jealousy of Dalai Lama’s people who went to cause the murder but Nechung actually made it possible so that the promise is fulfilled. How else can Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen rise as a protector if he does not have wrath in him?

The Dalai Lama’s tribute to Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen is the composed prayers and also the construction of Trode Khangsar. Trode Khangsar is the seat of Dorje Shugden and an important pilgrimage site. If Dorje Shugden is a demon, then it will not last for centuries till today.

So, the relationship between the Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden has been of contemporaries working hand in hand to spread Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings and preserve the Dharma. We may not understand it but it is for the good of people.

“Trode Khangsar itself is registered as a national heritage memorial, putting it under the care of the Chinese Government at a national level. As recently as 2008, the chapel was being renovated by the Chinese Government. Thus Trode Khangsar which is dedicated to Dorje Shugden continues to be another powerful testament to the high respect His Holiness the 5th Dalai Lama came to develop for Dorje Shugden”

This physical building itself and the history behind this building is a testament of the true relationship between H.H. The Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden. Why built a temple for a demon? It doesn’t make sense. Some more at on the grounds / land belonging to H.H. The 5th Dalai Lama.

I am glad Trode Khangsar is being classified as a national heritage. It is a very holy site to many of the Shugden practitioners around the world. And the pilgrims will continue to visit this place since this protector is known to be the “protector of our time”

5th Dalai Lama was one of the greatest lamas in Tibet, followers from China, Mongolia and Tibet would travel to Lhasa to attend his teachings or have audience with him. His teacher was the 4th Panchen Lama, who was believed to be the emanation of Amitabha Buddha. The 5th Dalai Lama must have, through his clairvoyance seen the true nature of Dorje Shugden, thus written the prayer to Dorje Shugden and built a chapel in the middle of Lhasa to dedicate it to Dorje Shugden. There is no doubt Dorje Shugden is not an ordinary protector but an enlightened protector.

Not only the 5th Dalai Lama wrote a prayer to Dorje Shugden before, Panchen Lama, Trijang Rinpoche, etc had also written praises/prayers to Dorje Shugden. Great masters like Denma Gonsa Rinpoche, current Trijang Rinpoche, current Rabten Rinpoche, Gangchen Rinpoche, current Domo Geshe Rinpoche, etc are Dorje Shugden practitioners. If the Dorje Shugden practice brings harm to people, these masters will not practice it and will never recommend us to practice. Not only Dorje Shugden did not bring harm to these masters, Dorje Shugden has helped their Dharma activities grow.

If we put our trust on Dorje Shugden, we will be able to see good results. He will not abandon us, no matter what.

Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and the 5th Dalai Lama share a closed relationship as Dharma brothers. They were both students of the 4th Panchen lama,Lobsang Chokyi Gyeltsen. When Nechung reminded Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s promise to become Dharma protector he required wrathful energy of which he never had so Nechung created the condition and fanned the jealousy and fear of the Regent of Tibet and head of the household of the 5th Dalai Lama ans other attendants to such a point that they planned to kill tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who was highly attained and has supernatural power that they failed to assinate in several attempts. Finally tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen himself perceived it was time to arise as a superior Dharma protector so he generated bodhicitta and resigned to pass away according to his would be murderes scheme. He revealed that the only to kill him is by strangulation with a khata , so his murderers took a khata and stuffed it down the lama’s throat and killing him. Several fire pujas were done to remove Dorje Shudgen thinking that he was a malevolent spirit but failed, the 5th Dalai Lama then wrote a praise and prayers to Dorje Shudgen and also crafted a statue with his own hands to honour and recognise him as Dharma Protector, an emanation of Buddha Manjushri.

It is important to make the distinction that the rivalries during that time were between the followers of the 5th Dalai Lama and those of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. Both the 5th Dalai Lama and Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen were students of the 4th Panchen Lama and were very close Dharma brothers. It was the followers of the 5th Dalai Lama who were jealous of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s increasing fame and were worried that his Zimkhang Gongma Ladrang could be becoming more influential and they felt threatened. They are the ones that plotted his assasination. Nechung fanned the flames and though his assasination appeared to be a very unfortunate event, for the greater good, it was highly necessary in order for the great dharma protector of the middle way teachings, Dorje Shugden to arise.

The long standing relationship between Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden is not without conflicts. The enmity started since the time of the 5th Dalai Lama, mainly because Dalai Lama’s attendants were jealous of the highly attained Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen and felt assured that he will threatened the new position as the King of Tibet of Dalai Lama. Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was the last incarnation of Dorje Shugden, as he entered clear light as a result of being murdered by Dalai Lama’s attendants, he arose as Dorje Shugden. As a result of deep regret for what his attendants had done, the Dalai Lama built Trode Khangsar Chapel as an attribution to Dorje Shugden. It is the proof that Dorje Shugden is an enlightened protector. Even since the enthronement of Dorje Shugden in Trode Khangsar Chapel, it had borne witness to recognitions by the Qing Emperor and His Holiness the 11th Dalai Lama. Thank you very much for this article. Thank you for this article, Rinpoche.

Dorje Shugden arose as a supramundane Dharma Protector from Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen , who was the last of the illustrious Drepung Zimkhang Gongma line of incarnations.

This illustrious lineage was established by the unmatched Panchen Sonam Drakpa, and goes back in a line of great incarnations such as Magadha Sangmo, Mahasiddha Birwapa, Thonmi Sambhota, Tibetan King Trisong Detsen, Mahasiddha Naropa, Ra Lotsawa, Panchen Shakya Shri, Lotsawa Loden Sherab, Sakya Pandita, Buton Rinchen Drub, Dulzin Drakpa Gyeltsen, Panchen Sonam Drakpa. The whole lineage comprises various Indian and Tibetan lineage masters who had made great contributions to the growth of Tibetan Buddhism.

All of them were emanations of Manjushri.

Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen himself was an accomplished scholar and teacher and widely sought after( as can be seen from his biography in “Who is Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen?”).

Panchen Sonam Drakpa, who established this line of lineage was himself unparallel in accomplishments and achievements. He is the only person who has ever become the Abbot of all three main Gelug monasteries – Ganden, Sera and Drepung. He was also the Abbot of Gyuto Tantric College and became the 15th Ganden Tripa.He wrote many commentaries to both Sutra and Tantra. To this day at Drepung Loseling, the largest Gelugpa monastery, as well as at Ganden Shartse, monks qualify for their Geshe degrees by relying principally upon the scriptures of this great teacher.

Hence, it is only logical that an uncommon supramundane protector like Dorje Shugden, an emanation of Manjushri, should arise from the last of this highly illustrious lineage.

Whilst The 5th Dalai Lama initially thought of Tulku Dragpa Gyeltsen as a malevolent spirit, then even the Mindroling Lamas were unable to subjugate Dorje Shugden, it was then the 5th Dalai Lama recognised that Dorje Shugden is not a mere spirit as he initially thought it would be.

Trode Khangsar is a place he built to revere Dorje Shugden. the 5th Dalai Lama also made a statue of Dorje Shugden with his own hands and wrote a praise to Dorje Shugden. Such was the actions of the 5th Dalai Lama when he realised the true nature of Dorje Shugden. The 5th and 14th Dalai Lama are of the same mindstreams prolific scholars and produced much dharma work, so I do know for a fact the 14th Dalai Lama also knows and recognizes the true quality of Dorje Shugden.

But it seems that given the atrocities and denigration suffered by Tulku Trakpa Gyaltsan : was it really enough what Ngawang Losang Gyatso(5th Dalai Lama) did ? He (Ngawang Losang Gyatso) was forced to
admit because he could not destroy “someone of perverted or broken samaya”.Drepung is well known for great scholars and some scholars had their works banned / proscribed just because they were not in line with the “official Madhyamika/Madhyamaka”.
Tsem Tulku , do you have a list of all the writings of scholars from Drepung whose works were banned or sealed?

Dear BT Tay,
Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was initially thought to have take rebirth as a Gyalpo spirit, which was said to have arisen from perverted or broken samaya. However, as evidenced by the inability of the powerful fire pujas – jinsek to subdue Dorje Shugden, it was clear that Dorje Shugden was not a mere spirit. Thus, the whole episode is interpreted to be the Dalai Lama enacting those deeds purposely to highlight the power and strength of Dorje Shugden as a Dharma Protector. Therefore, he did not have perverted prayers or even broken samaya. He did not propose a new or radical view. If you are looking for such controversial scholars, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen is not the one. He was strict adherent to Lama Tsongkhapa’s views.

Thank you Rinpoche and the writers’ team for this profoundly significant blogpost.

The way I see it:

The following is a detailed, step-by-step account to establish that this was the way Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen “chose” to arise as a Protector with the right amount of wrathful energy to do so. It also shows that the 5th Dalai Lama was not in any way involved in the murder of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen.

Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen had, in a previous lifetime, in fact the lifetime when he was Duldzin Drakpa Gyeltsen, a heart son of Lama Tsongkhapa, made a promise to Nechung to arise as the Protector of Tsongkhapa’s special teachings of Nagarjuna’s Middle View of Emptiness.

Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was then reminded by Nechung to fulfil that promise. Nechung agreed to create the conditions for the wrathful energy to arise in Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen for him to become a Protector. The conditions that Nechung created revolved around provoking the fear and jealousy 5th Dalai Lama’s attendants and members of his household(equivalent to the Tibetan Government of today). The 5th Dalai Lama had just reunited Tibet under him and was consolidating his power. His position was not stable and in fact quite shaky. The head of his Ladrang and Regent of Tibet and other personal attendants were quick to react to what they perceived as any threat in the form of rivalry and any potential attempt to unseat the 5th Dalai Lama as Head of State.

Tulku Drakpa GYaltsen and the 5th Dalai Lama had shared a close relationship as Dharma brothers under the tutelage of the same highly attained teacher and Master, Panchen Lama Lobang Chokyi Gyeltsen. While Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso was recognized as the 5th Dalai Lama. Tulku Drakpa Gyaltsen was recognized as the incarnation of a great and unequalled Master, Panchen Sonam Drakpa. Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was highly attained and saintly and a scholar too. Despite being humble and unassuming, his fame grew and he drew students from far and wide and these included the royalty of China and Mongolia. This was how Nechung created the conditions and fanned the jealousy and fear of Desi Sonam Choepel, Regent of Tibet and head of the household of the 5th Dalai Lama, and other attendants, to such a point that they began to plot to murder Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen. All this was not made known to the 5th Dalai Lama himself. Desi and other attendants made several attempts but could not successfully kill Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen who was highly attained and had supernatural powers.

Finally, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen himself perceived it was time to arise as a superior Dharma protector so he generated great bodhicitta and resigned to pass away according to his would-be murderers’ schemes. He revealed that the only way his murderers could accomplish this task was by strangulation with a khata. His assailants quickly grabbed a khata and stuffed it down the lama’s throat, killing him.

When the 5th Dalai Lama first heard that Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen was ill, he decided to visit him and give him a tantric empowerment to aid him. However, he was prevented from making this visit by Desi and the other members of his household and administration. When the 5th Dalai Lama finally learnt of the murder of Tulku Dakpa Gyeltsen, he was full of remorse and wrote a prayer of deep apology.

The funeral pyre for the remains of Tulku Drakpa Gyelsten would not catch fire, until the 5th Dalai Lama’s prayer of apology was read out; only then did the pyre catch fire. When one of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s attendants in grief struck the funeral pyre with his zen, a whirlwind of black smoke rose into the sky and formed the shape of a hand that completely covered the skyline. It was said that this was when Dorje Shugden arose, thus fulfilling Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen’s promise to Nechung to arise as a special Protector of Lama Tsongkhapa’s lineage, to benefit all beings.

After the demise of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen, the search for his reincarnation was BANNED and that brought to an end the illustrious Drepung Zimkhang Gongma line of incarnations that can be traced back all the way to ancient India, and includes great luminaries and mahasiddas . The ladrang founded by Panchen Sonam Drakpa in 1554 CE at the Upper Chamber of Drepung ceased to exist in 1656 CE. The Nechung Oracle instructed that the Zimkhang Gongma or Upper Chamber at Drepung was to be dismantled, and the reliquaries from that ladrang were relocated by Desi Sonam Choepel.

Although Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen continued to incarnate to benefit sentient beings, his line of incarnation was never formally reinstated.

Due to the heavy collective negative karma of killing such a great being, the country was beset by calamities, like earthquakes and other disturbances, immediately after the cremation of Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen.

When several fire pujas were done in an attempt to remove Dorje Shugden(thinking that he was a malevolent spirit that had tried to harm by causing all the natural disasters ,plaguing the land) and they were unsuccessful, and each time Yamantaka appeared instead, the 5th Dalai Lama eventually manifested the realisation that Dorje Shugden was an Enlightened Protector, an emanation of Manjushri.

In apology for his murder and the subsequent attempts to destroy him(having mistakenly thought he had become a vengeful spirit), the 5th Dalai Lama wrote a prayer/praise to Dorje Shugden and crafted a statue with his own hands to honour and recognise him as a Dharma protector. The 5th Dalai Lama also commissioned a Chapel to be built to Dorje Shugden, at the spot where he was cremated. The Chapel still stands today in Lhasa –the Trode Khangsar .

It was with great and pure Guru Devotion that Dulzin Drakpa Gyaltsen had made the promise to protect his Guru’s precious teachings, Nagarjuna’s Middle Way view. After lifetimes of incarnations, Tulku Drakpa Gyeltsen with great compassion, fulfilled the promised made, to be that special Protector. With the enlightened mind of the great 5th Dalai Lama, it most definitely divine play that the 5th Dalai Lama allowed the misunderstanding of Dorje Shugden so that all methods to capture him were exhausted to prove to everyone beyond doubt that Dorje Shugden is enlightened. And as the great apology of misunderstanding, the 5th Dalai Lama built Trode Khangsar Chapel, hand made Dorje Shugden’s statue and wrote the praise of Dorje Shugden. Trode Khangsar Chapel must be such an energised holy place as it was built a the very site of the transformation in the special Protector Dorje Shugden. With it association with Emperor Kang Xi and Emperor Dakhong, it is good that the Chinese Government had declared it “national heritage memorial” and placed it under their protection, with it still holding its full ritual prayer sessions and trances by Oracle. How wonderful that our very own Mrs. Chuah is able to visit to offer candles at such a holy place. May she be blessed by the powerful Dorje Shugden and her wishes fulfilled.

Thank you Rinpoche and the writers team for such an interesting article and the blessings

Dear Rinpoche
Thank you for this very precise account of the 5th Dalai Lama and Dorje Shugden. The history span over a period of 400years. What happened then is very crucial to the current standing of Dorje Shugden as it determines the pure truth behind how Dorje Shugden arose as an Enlightened Dharma Protector, specifically to protect the teachings of the great sage Lama Tsongkhapa which in other words the philosophy of the Middle Way by Nagarjuna.
As sentient beings degenerate, the purity of the teachings get marred, the interpretations become tainted and leads to delusions/confusions in the minds of practitioners. Interpreters of the teachings including proclaimed high lamas directly or indirectly creates controversies with regards to the teachings, and this further confuses the practitioners.
However, with this detailed account shared above,practitioners are able to follow through the whole phenomena on how Dorje Shugden came about and why HE is so important for the future of the Buddha Dharma. Dorje Shugden’s existence today is being subjected to a lot of abusive words and actions mostly by those who got really confused/angered by all the lies and substandard facts which are being irresponsibly shared.
May this beautiful account written here,between the 5th Dalai Lama and his beloved Dharma brother Tulku Dragpa Gyaltsen and Dorje Shugden be a perfect antidote to all these negativities. May all the darkness be replaced by wisdom and compassion. May all be blessed by Dorje Shugden OM BENZA WIKI BITANA SOHA .

I really love this straight forward,clear cut and interesting write up on Dorje Shugden’s history. Love this interesting photos very much!
I’m also hoping that Rinpoche and writers will in the near future come up with the whole series of Tsem Rinpoche incarnations on this blog. 😀
Thank you very much Rinpoche. _/\_

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Please be advised that anyone who contravenes these guidelines may be banned from the chatroom. Banning is at the complete discretion of the administrator of this blog. Should anyone wish to make an appeal or complaint about the behaviour of someone in the chatroom, please copy paste the relevant chat in an email to us at care@kechara.com and state the date and time of the respective conversation.

Please let this be a conducive space for discussions, both light and profound.

KECHARA FOREST RETREAT PROGRESS UPDATES

Here is the latest news and pictorial updates, as it happens, of our upcoming forest retreat project.

The Kechara Forest Retreat is a unique holistic retreat centre focused on the total wellness of body, mind and spirit. This is a place where families and individuals will find peace, nourishment and inspiration in a natural forest environment. At Kechara Forest Retreat, we are committed to give back to society through instilling the next generation with universal positive values such as kindness and compassion.

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This is a very interesting article to know that Mongolian astrology is closely related to Buddhism. Some of us might think astrology is a very superstitious practice but it is practised in Buddhism.

From the scripture, our body body parts are related to different planets. In a way, it means our body and the universe are in fact one. Therefore, we should respect our environment because if our mother nature has lost its balance, our health will be affected as well.

The most recent celebrity that was reported to have shown some interest in Buddhism is Katy Perry. People often think being a celebrity is wonderful, but behind all the smiles and the beauty, there is much suffering and pain… We have seen it many times, and celebrities who fail to cope with the stress and public pressure often take up dangerous habits or suicidal. I’m not claiming that I know of Katy Perry’s life and difficulties, but as long as we are all in samsara, we are all subjected to suffering.

The International Mountain Museum (IMM) in Pokhara, Nepal isq all about the 14 highest mountains in the world…all of them are at least 8,000 meters in height! Those interested in mountaineering would come to Pokhara as most of the trekking routes start from there.

Out of the top 14 mountains, 8 are within Nepal! Since 1920 (when mountaineering was still new to the world) many researchers would come to this beautiful country to do research on things like how the mountains were formed…what the exact height of the mountain is…what minerals can be found there etc.

Malaysia adopts a constitutional monarchy system that is a mixture of hereditary and elected monarchs. Malaysia consists of several administrative regions across thirteen states and three federal territories. Nine states are ruled by monarchs, four states are supervised by a Yang di-Pertua Negeri or Governor, and the Federal Government controls the remaining three federal territories.

Meditation puts children in touch with their most natural condition, which is free, expressive, cooperative, loving and peaceful. This is a direct counter for everything else in society that encourages them to think of only “me, me, me” from a young age, and to engage in competition which encourages division. Hence meditation is something our world desperately needs because the competition we teach children will become greed when they are adults competing to win. It’s this greed and need to win that is slowly killing our planet and destroying all of our natural resources. Hence meditation is one of the most valuable habits a child can be encouraged to learn and integrate as part of their daily life.

Contrary to popular belief, not all meditation techniques produce similar effects of body and mind. Indeed, a recent study by researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) has demonstrated for the first time that different types of Buddhist meditation – namely the Vajrayana and Theravada styles of meditation – elicit qualitatively different influences on human physiology and behaviour, producing arousal and relaxation responses respectively.

In particular, the NUS research team found that Vajrayana meditation, which is associated with Tibetan Buddhism, can lead to enhancements in cognitive performance.

Artemisia Vulgaris (mugwort or common wormwood) is one of several species in the genus Artemisia which have common names that include the word mugwort. This species is also occasionally known as Felon Herb, Chrysanthemum Weed, Wild Wormwood, Old uncle Henry, Sailor’s Tobacco, Naughty Man, Old Man or St. John’s Plant (not St John’s wort).

In some places, wormwood is considered as an invasive weed. It is a very common plant growing on nitrogenous soils such as waste places and roadsides. It is a tall herbaceous perennial plant with a woody root.

The downside of this plant is that it is an aggressive and invasive plant that takes over wherever it is planted which leads to another issue of management control.

Not using some muscles for quite a time it’s known that they will weaken.

A perfect example is a leg injury like a broken bone (fibula) and you’re supposed to relax and use the wheelchair for some time in order to let the bone heal. In the meantime, your muscles won’t be active and thus become weaker. This is the same with the muscles surrounding your eye lens.

If it happens that you are wearing glasses as many do and you don’t practice exercises for your eyes, your vision will slowly weaken. Your eye muscles need practice just like every other muscle in your body.

A US court has upheld a law forcing Phoenix pet stores to only sell rescue animals, giving homeless cats and dogs a better chance at a second life.

Stores in Phoenix now cannot source animals to sell from commercial breeders.

The decision, which was passed by Phoenix City Council in December 2013 to tackle the rising amount of homeless animals in the area, has since been upheld in the courts to the delight of animal welfare activists.

The Humane Society of the United States senior vice president Jonathan Lovvorn has welcomed the decision by Arizona’s largest city and state capital.

The hardest thing about being Buddhist is we have to do things differently from the norm. Like what this person says in the video, usually when people say or do bad things about us, we will react immediately to prove them right. But as a Buddhist, we should not react to encourage more conflicts. We have to give the victory to others.

The secular environment we are is not a conducive environment for us to do our spiritual practice. It is very easy for us to slip away from our spiritual practice with all the temptation. We have to have a very strong mind to keep up with our practice.

Tsem Rinpoche has always been fascinating about Bigfoot, UFO, Loch Ness, Findhorn, Bermuda Triangle and strange phenomena happening around the world. Its wonderful to have Bigfoot figurine as a gift for Rinpoche from Pastor Seng Piow. Wow fantastic been made in Malaysia at KECHARA SARASWATI ARTS DEPT. So Kechara team are doing well ,been talented has come out with this Bigoot figurine. Definitely looks real based on the famous footage by Patterson. Great effort and time must had put to produce it. The real footage where Bigfoot was caught on camera has since proven that Bigfoot do exist after all.
Thank you Rinpoche for this sharing.

Thank you Martin for sharing this wonderful post. I would not be who I am today without Rinpoche’s teachings. I thank Rinpoche every day for giving me such a strong spiritual blessing in my life. He was very sympathetic and cordial to even an unknown person. He was truly a living Buddha who has a thousand arms. He has a strict and humor method to teach us and we won’t feel been left out. I do enjoyed his Dharma teachings in You tubes and reading Rinpoche’s blog. Rinpoche is truly a spiritual legacy infused with his divine power and blessings.

Loyalty is the ability to put others before ourselves and stick with them in good times and bad or difficult times. Show loyalty to friends, family, teachers and significant others by being honest, trustworthy, supportive, and generous. Maintain healthy boundaries with those around us so we can be loyal to them in a productive way. The spiritual life of the teacher has an impact on us as a student. We cannot expect someone who lies to us to be loyal to us. Honesty is what creates loyalty. Loyalty needs to be handled with honesty and if we cannot be honest then we do not deserve loyalty.
Thank you for this wonderful sharing as a reminder for us all .

Taking care of hamster needs special attention after all. Thanks Wei Tan for this details caring of hamsters . Good and safe bedding leads to happy and healthy hamsters. Well, there are types of hamster bedding but owners needs to get a good, safe, non-toxic, odour-free and allergy-friendly hamster bedding which is available in the market. It is important to follow the very latest advice if hamster is to remain fit and healthy throughout their life. Interesting read .

Messages from Rinpoche

Scroll down within the box to view more messages from Rinpoche. Click on the images to enlarge. Click on 'older messages' to view archived messages. Use 'prev' and 'next' links to navigate between pages

I must thank my dharma blog team who are great assets to me, Kechara and growth of dharma in this wonderful region. I am honoured and thrilled to work with them. I really am. Maybe I don't say it enough to them, but I am saying it now. I APPRECIATE THESE GUYS VERY MUCH!

Kyabje Zong Rinpoche Videos

Hear the holy voice of Kyabje Zong Rinpoche giving advice on the practice of Dorje Shugden to those who had received the life-entrustment initiation. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche wanted to make sure those present received the maximum benefits from their practice, and that they kept their practice well.LEARN MORE >>

In Tibetan Buddhism, it is always said that whatever we practice must come from an enlightened source to be beneficial in our spiritual journey. As such in this video, Kyabje Zong Rinpoche shares with us the history and reincarnation lineage of Dorje Shugden to explain how great this Dharma protector is through the examples of his previous lives, showing us his powerful spiritual attainments.LEARN MORE >>

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Dear everyone... This is a good condensed talk I gave on Guru Yoga of Tsongkapa. This is the one you should share with others when they are interested in a not too lengthy explanation. It is the perfect practice for everyone who wants simplicity yet effective blessings. You can share this with more people, it will be good.

External Articles

ANIMAL QUOTES

"If you say you don't have money to help a animal shelter, why then do you have money to buy meat?"

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"Eating animals is not our God-given right, but being kind to them is."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"What makes us good humans is not how we abuse animals, but how much we allow them to live and be happy freely."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"We need another and wiser and perhaps a more mythical concept of animals.... We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate of having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein we err, and greatly err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complex than ours they moved finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth."

~ Henry Beston, The Outermost House

"Not eating animals is only unnatural when we are not used to it."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES

"We may encounter defeat, but we must not be defeated."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"What you are today, is the choice you made yesterday."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"You think you can choose your life? What an ego trip!"

~ Lama Yeshe

"If TODAY you are dissatisfied, you must make the changes to create different results for TOMORROW."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

SPIRITUAL QUOTES

“Meditating on Dorje Shugden while reciting his mantra will open the gateways to higher dimensions, blessings and protection.”

~ Tsem Rinpoche

“If one does the recitation of the Lama Tsongkhapa guru yoga prayer for even one month using one of the visualizations for great or clear or quick wisdom, one will definitely see development of that wisdom. It is proved by experience. There is no doubt that by doing the Lama Tsongkhapa guru yoga practice one can meet Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings from life to life. And furthermore, it gives one the opportunity to be born in the pure realm of Lama Tsongkhapa, Tushita, whenever death happens.”

~ Pabongkha Rinpoche

"I was 18 years old in 1983. That was a very special year as I met His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and received innumerable precious teachings and empowerments from Him at Thubten Dhargye Ling Centre in Los Angeles, California. It was the best time of my life. A time that seems so magical and surreal to me. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche is Heruka Buddha and I met Heruka."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"If being me offends you, maybe I'm not the problem."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"Never abandon your spiritual teacher no matter how many inner obstacles you need to overcome."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"Actions to force something to be permanent makes all the karmas arise."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"The dharma is not easy to listen to… because some people take it as criticism. But Dharma should not be just feel good only for the moment but for deeper contemplations."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"Whether we do work and suffer but for others or we do work and suffer for ourselves, either way we have to suffer. That is the nature of samsara. So let us suffer for others and then suffering has meaning."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"Those who really want the dharma to grow within themselves and to grow for others should never fear hard work, timing, difficulties, struggles, disappointments because it is for a good cause. Working for Dharma is not a prison or work, but it is purely spiritual practice. It is purely collection of merit and purification. Actually not doing dharma work is the real prison."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"His Holiness Zong Rinpoche stressed the need to continue to practice even when we come up against obstacles, and that we should continually review our progress. He stated that a happy, luxurious life was like a good dream, and that obstacles and difficulties were like a bad dream. We should give them no significance, but simply carry on working towards real, everlasting happiness."

LIFE QUOTES

"I pity men who occupy themselves exclusively with the transitory in things and lose themselves in the study of what is perishable, since we are here for this very end-that we may make the perishable imperishable, which we can do only after we have learned how to approach both."

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"Money amplifies negative characteristics and that can cause problems.
To walk away from that was actually very easy. I didn't even consider it."

~ Angeline Francis Khoo

"I shall not commit the fashionable stupidity of regarding everything I cannot explain as a fraud."

~ Carl Jung

"There is a devil there is no doubt, but is he trying to get into us or trying to get out?"

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"If you love someone, show it by being honest, respectful & honorable with them."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."

~ Henry David Thoreau

"If I can just be the way I am & you the way you are & we accept each other, world peace is near."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"I am Asian, you are some other beautiful color. Together we make diversity so beautiful."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"It's amazing how some people have never met me or know who I am, but based on a few things they read here & there & rumours, they have formulated a new personality for me & all the things I've never done they passionately speak about....I find it funny and entertaining now. I guess we can't spend our lives fighting rumours...we just have to work hard & then rumours get proven wrong on it's own as a by product. No point explaining repeatedly. Just do our work & show results!!"

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"There's a difference between patience and laziness. Patience comes from respect while laziness from disrespect of others."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"Although outwardly we have so much, we have so many conveniences, inwardly we have become more unhappy, so, acquisition is not the secret to happiness. The more we get, the more we have, the more unhappy we become."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"Before we experience any pain, we already had a fixed view of how things should be. When the experience we encounter contradicts our views, then the pain arises. The pain arises due to our fixed views not so much the experience itself. So the secret is changing the views. Re-educating ourselves on our views."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"You know since very young, for better or worse, I always did the things that others told me not to do. I wasn't really good at following the rules. Even now with how I share Dharma and my practice, I just do it the way I think it should be done but I do it sincerely. Not what others tell me what I can and can't do."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"Love me or hate me, both are in my favor... If you love me, I'll always be in your heart... If you hate me, I'll always be in your mind."

~ William Shakespeare

"One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous or honest."

~ Maya Angelou

Devotional Songs

Sung by Mary Fewel Tulin, these mystical songs in praise of the guru originate from the Sikh tradition. Yet, they are applicable to all traditions for those who want to venerate their guru.

The Unknown

The Known and unknown are both feared,
Known is being comfortable and stagnant,
The unknown may be growth and opportunities,
One shall never know if one fears the unknown more than the known.
Who says the unknown would be worse than the known?
But then again, the unknown is sometimes worse than the known. In the end nothing is known unless we endeavour,
So go pursue all the way with the unknown,
because all unknown with familiarity becomes the known.
~Tsem Rinpoche

Photos On The Go

Click on the images to view the bigger version. And scroll down and click on "View All Photos" to view more images.

The first title published by Kechara Comics is Karuna Finds A Way. It tells the tale of high-school sweethearts Karuna and Adam who had what some would call the dream life. Everything was going great for them until one day when reality came knocking on their door. Caught in a surprise swindle, this loving family who never harmed anyone found themselves out of luck and down on their fortune. Determined to save her family, Karuna goes all out to find a solution. See what she does- https://bit.ly/2LSKuWo

Most Venerable Uppalavanna – The Chief Female Disciple of Buddha Shakyamuni - She exhibited many supernatural abilities gained from meditation and proved to the world females and males are equal in spirituality- https://bit.ly/31d9Rat

Mahapajapati Gotami, who was the first nun ordained by Lord Buddha. She was his step-mother and aunt. Buddha's mother had passed away at his birth so he was raised by Gotami.

4 months ago

Another nun disciple of Lord Buddha's. She had achieved great spiritual abilities and high attainments. She would be a proper object of refuge. This image of the eminent bhikkhuni (nun) disciple of the Buddha, Uppalavanna Theri.

This is pretty amazing!
First Sri Lankan Buddhist temple opened in Dubai!!!

4 months ago

My Dharma boy (left) and Oser girl loves to laze around on the veranda in the mornings. They enjoy all the trees, grass and relaxing under the hot sun. Sunbathing is a favorite daily activity. I care about these two doggies of mine very much and I enjoy seeing them happy. They are with me always. Tsem Rinpoche
Always be kind to animals and eat vegetarian- https://bit.ly/2Psp8h2

4 months ago

After you left me Mumu, I was alone. I have no family or kin. You were my family. I can't stop thinking of you and I can't forget you. My bond and connection with you is so strong. I wish you were by my side. Tsem Rinpoche

4 months ago

This story is a life-changer. Learn about the incredible Forest Man of India | 印度“森林之子”- https://bit.ly/2Eh4vRS

4 months ago

Part 2-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4

4 months ago

Part 1-Beautiful billboard in Malaysia of a powerful Tibetan hero whose life serves as a great inspiration- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4

4 months ago

The great Protector Manjushri Dorje Shugden depicted in the beautiful Mongolian style. To download a high resolution file: https://bit.ly/2Nt3FHz

4 months ago

The Mystical land of Shambhala is finally ready for everyone to feast their eyes and be blessed. A beautiful post with information, art work, history, spirituality and a beautiful book composed by His Holiness the 6th Panchen Rinpoche. ~ https://bit.ly/309MHBi

Mongolian (Oymiakon) Shaman in Siberia, Russia. That is his real outfit he wears. Very unique. TR

4 months ago

Find one of the most beautiful temples in the world in Nara, Japan. It is the 1,267 year old Todai-ji temple that houses a 15 meter Buddha Vairocana statue who is a cosmic and timeless Buddha. Emperor Shomu who sponsored this beautiful temple eventually abdicated and ordained as a Buddhist monk. Very interesting history and story. One of the places everyone should visit- https://bit.ly/2VgsHhK

Silver Manjusri figure from Ngemplak Semongan (Indonesia). Apparently during the Shailendra Dynasty, Mahayana Buddhism was very strong in Indonesia. This Dynasty promoted Mahayana Buddhism and Manjushri was a principal Buddha of worship.

There is an area near Lumbini, Nepal, they have sightings of Yeti for hundreds of years. So they have signages in the area with Yeti artwork to highlight this. Interesting. TR

4 months ago

Photos of footprints (Yeti) are from a high altitude pass (Darwa Pass) connecting Gangotri valley to Yamunotri valley through old pilgrim route.

4 months ago

Beautiful picture. Rare. Three holy beings.

4 months ago

May 1, 2019-I really enjoy this picture of these visitors visiting Dorje Shugden's grotto in Kechara Forest Retreat today. They look happy, light and blessed after doing their prayers to Dorje Shugden. I wanted to share this picture.- https://bit.ly/2UltNE4

5 months ago

A postcard of my great grand aunt Princess Nirgidma of Torghut-Tsem Rinpoche

Videos On The Go

Whales and dolphins playing with each other in the Pacific sea. Nature is truly incredible!

2 months ago

Bodha stupa July 2019-

Rainy period

3 months ago

Cute Tara girl having a snack. She is one of Kechara Forest Retreat’s resident doggies.

3 months ago

Your Next Meal!

Yummy? Tasty? Behind the scenes of the meat on your plates. Meat is a killing industry.

3 months ago

This is Daw

This is what they do to get meat on tables, and to produce belts and jackets. Think twice before your next purchase.

3 months ago

Don’t Take My Mummy Away!

Look at the poor baby chasing after the mother. Why do we do that to them? It's time to seriously think about our choices in life and how they affect others. Be kind. Don't break up families.

3 months ago

They do this every day!

This is how they are being treated every day of their lives. Please do something to stop the brutality. Listen to their cries for help!

3 months ago

What happened at Fair Oaks Farm?

The largest undercover dairy investigation of all time. See what they found out at Fair Oaks Farm.

3 months ago

She’s going to spend her whole life here without being able to move correctly. Like a machine. They are the slaves of the people and are viewed as a product. It’s immoral. Billions of terrestrial animals die annually. Billions. You can’t even imagine it. And all that because people don’t want to give up meat, even though there are so many alternatives. ~ Gabriel Azimov

5 months ago

Our Malaysian Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir speaks so well, logically and regarding our country’s collaboration with China for growth. It is refreshing to listen to Dr. Mahathir’s thoughts. He said our country can look to China for many more things such as technology and so on. Tsem Rinpoche

5 months ago

This is the first time His Holiness Dalai Lama mentions he had some very serious illness. Very worrying. This video is captured April 2019.

These people going on pilgrimage to a holy mountain and prostrating out of devotion and for pilgrimage in Tibet. Such determination for spiritual practice. Tsem Rinpoche

5 months ago

Beautiful new casing in Kechara for Vajra Yogini. Tsem Rinpoche

5 months ago

Get ready to laugh real hard. This is Kechara’s version of “Whatever Happened to Baby Jane!” We have some real talents in this video clip.

6 months ago

Recitation of Dorje Dermo‘s mantra or the Dharani of Glorious Vajra Claws. This powerful mantra is meant to destroy all obstacles that come in our way. Beneficial to play this mantra in our environments.

We were told by Uncle Wong he is very faithful toward Dorje Shugden. Dorje Shugden has extended help to him on several occasions and now Uncle Wong comes daily to make incense offerings to Dorje Shugden. He is grateful towards the help he was given.

Trijang Rinpoche never gave up his devotion to Dorje Shugden no matter how much Tibetan government in exile pressured him to give up. He stayed loyal inspiring so many of us.

2 yearss ago

This topic is so hot in many circles right now.

This video is thought-provoking and very interesting. Watch! Thanks so much to our friends at LIVEKINDLY.

2 yearss ago

Chiropractic CHANGES LIFE for teenager with acute PAIN & DEAD LEG.

2 yearss ago

BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN NEW YORK STATE-AMAZING.

2 yearss ago

Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the meat Industry with real action.

2 yearss ago

Do psychic mediums have messages from beyond?

2 yearss ago

Lovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche

2 yearss ago

This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...

she received “one last visit from an old friend” 💔💔

2 yearss ago

Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.

2 yearss ago

Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.

2 yearss ago

Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem

2 yearss ago

Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!

2 yearss ago

Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche

2 yearss ago

What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.

Sick animals are more profitable... farms calculate how close to death they can keep animals without killing them.
That's the business model.
How quickly they can be made to grow, how tightly they can be packed, how much or how little can they eat, how sick they can get without dying...
We live in a world in which it's conventional to treat an animal like a block of wood.
~ Jonathan Safran Foer

2 yearss ago

This video went viral and it's a must watch!!

2 yearss ago

SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.

This happens daily in slaughterhouse so you can get your pork and Bak ku teh. Stop eating meat.

ASK A PASTOR

A section for you to clarify your Dharma questions with Kechara’s esteemed pastors.

Just post your name and your question below and one of our pastors will provide you with an answer.

Scroll down and click on "View All Questions" to view archived questions.

pastor answered:Dear Stanley Robinson,
I am glad to hear that you would like to walk the Dharma path. I can assure you this is the best decision you could have made for your life. Everyone starts his/her Dharma journey in a different way especially if you have your own guru, however the ultimate aim is the same.
The best way to pursue a Dharma journey, of course, is to find your own guru and follow his advice whole-heartedly as your guru will know what is the best for you. However, if you don't have a guru yet, you can choose a Dharma teacher who you think his/her dharma teachings have strongest impact on you. Then, you can listen to his teachings, read his Dharma books and follow his advice on the practices.
For example, if you like H.E. Tsem Rinpoche's teachings. You can start reading articles from His blog, listen to his teachings on His YouTube channel. Practice the Dharma practices he recommended.
You can start doing both reading and practice simultaneously. This is what we do here. However the most important part is to put the Dharma you have learned into practice in your daily life. The correct way to learn the Dharma is to listen, contemplate and practice. Without real practice, Dharma is just a theory, it won't bring you any real result.
Below is H.E. Tsem Rinpoche's youtube channel, you can start with any of the teachings without any prior knowledge as Rinpoche has made the profound Dharma into something we can relate to easily.
https://www.youtube.com/user/tsemtulku
For daily practice, you can start with
1) Lama Tsongkhapa practice
2) Dorje Shugden practice
3) Dedication
Below are the links:
1) Lama Tsongkhapa Daily practice (commentary)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dd1jQnEwNv4&t
2) Lama Tsongkhapa prayer
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/tsongkhapa-prayers.html
3) Simplified Daily Prayer to Dorje Shugden
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/new-simplified-daily-prayer-to-dorje-shugden.html
4) Beginner’s Introduction to Dorje Shugden
https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/beginners-introduction-to-dorje-shugden.html
Thank you.

pastor answered:Dear Gesar Kusali,
The only information I have on Dharmapala Shangmo Dorje Putri in relation to Dorje Shugden is as below:
"Although an independent Dharma protector, Shangmo Dorje Putri is under the control of the enlightened Dharma protector Kache Marpo and considered to be part of his entourage. In turn Kache Marpo is within the entourage of the Dharma protector Dorje Shugden."
Based on the information above, I don't think she is a full member of Dorje Shugden retinue, hence she is not equal to Kache Marpo, Methar and Namkar Barzin in terms of the context above.
Link to the article: https://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/buddhas-dharma/shangmo-dorje-putri-the-bamo-of-sakya.html

CHAT PICTURES

Dear blog friends, you can submit your photos to this section by sending an email to tblogpics@gmail.com. Include your message in the "Subject" field (up to 250 characters only). Be sure to include your name in the subject field too!

2 weeks ago

Currently the youngest student in dharma class :) Lin Mun KSDS

2 weeks ago

Nice lotus sit done by the youngest class students. Lin Mun KSDS

2 weeks ago

Teacher Jayce is teaching dharma to student of age 11-12 years old . Lin Mun MSDS

Join us on Saturday, 24th August 2019 in celebrating International Dorje Shugden Day with an evening of auspicious and powerful pujas for abundance, prosperity, longevity and wish-fulfilment! PROGRAMME 4:00pm – Prayer Flag Puja & Lhasang Smoke Offering Ritual 5:30pm – Free vegetarian dinner 6:30pm – Gyenze Increasing Fire Puja 9:00pm – End Collectively, these pujas are a celebration of Dorje Shugden’s blessings and are highly beneficial for all sponsors and attendees. There’s really no better place to celebrate Dorje Shugden Day than in Kechara Forest Retreat, which is home to the world’s largest Dorje Shugden statue. MORE INFO: kecharaforestretreat.com/dorjeshugdenday

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